THIRD ANNUAL AGMA CONVENTION the Board of Governors Have Fixed the Dates for the Istic Endeavor

Vol. III, No.2 PUBLISHED Bf-MONTHLY BY AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, Inc" A. F. of L. April, 1950

OFFICERS OFFICES

LA WRENCE TIBBETT New York 18 President 276 West 43rd Street CONRAD THIBAULT Telephone: LOngacre 5-7508, 9, 10 1st Vice·President • JAMES PEASE Los Angl'les 2nd Vice-President CEDRIC HART J ASCHA HEIFETZ 6636 Hollywood Boulevard 3rd Vice·President Suite 238, Cherokee Bldg. Telephone: Hudson 2-2334 ASTRID VARNAY 4th Vice·President • San Franscisco THELMA VOTIPKA 5th Vice-President THEODORE HALE 216 Pine Street ELISABETH HOEPPEL Telephone: Sutter 0855 Recording Secretary • FREDERICK JAGEL Philadelphia Treasurer PAUL M. CHALFIN HYMAN R. FAINE . 1428 So. Penn Square Executive Secretary Telephone: Rittenhouse 6-3100 HOWARD M. LARAMY • Assistant to Executive Secretary Chicago BERNARD W. ZUEBERT BEN MEYERS Financial Secretary 188 W. Randolph Street Telephone: State 0585 • • JAFFE & JAFFE HOWARD M. LARAMY Counsel Editor THIRD ANNUAL AGMA CONVENTION The Board of Governors have fixed the dates for the istic endeavor. These new members present new facets of in Third Annual Convention to be held in the Lincoln Hotel, terest, and the problems brought into focus by them must have . New York City, on June 16th, 17th and 18th, 1950. the same considerations from the total membership in order The National AGMA office has sent ballots to all active to achieve a union whose overall policies will present a solid AGMA members, so that a secret ballot may be conducted front in the field of art in which all members are fellow to elect delegates from their respective areas to meet in this workers. Convention to discuss and formulate policies to be the pattern The delegates who will be chosen to represent the mem of AGMA's future program. bership in their various areas should come fully informed on the problems that are faced by the membership in their areas As ably outlined in Mr. Hyman Faine's editorial in the and also give leadership in advice in solving problems which last issue of Agmazine, the next six months will probably be confront other membership areas, so that a groundwork can the most crucial in AGMA's history. be laid to make AGMA into a strong national union. Patterns in the field of opera and ballet productions have It must be a convention devoted to the development of new undergone changes in the past few years due to new condi methods and policies to meet the needs of our changing mem tions in financial risks and new methods of presentation prob. bership and industry. The unified support on the part of mem lems which must be solved along lines adaptable to these con· bership and the election of informed and representative dele ditions. AGMA must meet this challenge with understanding, gates will make possible the accomplishment of a concrete courage and enlightenment. program that will promote our progress as a union that will There have been changes in the membership characteristics function for the greater welfare and protection of all AGMA with an influx of new members from an enlarged field of art- artists. MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR BOARD OF GOVERNORS

With the election to the Board of Gov JULIA BARASHKOVA EUGENE CONLEY ernors now at hand, AGMAZINE here Dancer. Appointed to serve Board of Soloist. Member AGMA nine years with presents in this issue photographs Governors 1948. Is delegate for AGMA except for interim in U.S. Army. Prin and material concerning the candidates with Metropolitan Op cipal tenor, City Center whose names appear on the "ballots, era Ballet. Member of and Metropolitan Op which have been sent to all active mem Negotiating Committee era Companies. Served bers of AGMA. New members for the for Metropolitan Op on Board of Govern Board of Governors will be elected to era. Her record as a ors, as 4th Vice Presi serve three years. That some of the fol Board member has dent and member, sev lowing statements are shorter than been regularity in at eral terms. Has consist others does not indicate partiality on tendance and active ently worked as a the part of the editor. Some candidates participation in formu Board member for chose to be brief while others used the lating AGMA policies. A G M A membership full quota of words allotted to them. But principles. the identical amount of space was made WALTER B. BRANDIN ALFREDO CORVINO available to everyone. Chorister. New York City Opera since NEW YORK AREA 1948. AGMA representative 1948-49 Dancer. AGMA rep 10 members Spring and Fall sea resentative of ballet at (4 soloists - 1 instrumentalist) sons. Nominating Com Metropolitan Opera. If (4 dancers -- 1 chorister) mittee for Board of elected to the Board, will devote his time to ANN AYARS Governors and conven tion delegate for 1950. the betterment of work Committee Wages and ing conditions for all Soloist. J 0 i ned musical artists. AGMA when she be Working Conditions came a member of the for Popular Price op New York City Center era field. LAWRENCE DAVIDSON Opera Company in Soloist. Metropolitan Opera Company 1947 where she contin Committee on Metropolitan contract ne ues as a star in leading LUCY BROWN gotiations. Has labor soprano roles. union background as Instrumentalist. Active AGMA mem his father was organ ARTHUR BACKGREN ber since March, 1939. Appointed to izer of Cleaning and Chorister. Six years AGMA member. Board of Governors Dying local in Chicago. City Center Opera Co. three years. Met 1948 to fill a vacancy. "As a member of the ropolitan Opera three Twice elected to be del Board, I shall do my years. Was educated to egate for AGMA con best to help remove ob become a civil engin ventions. Deeply con stacles confronting the eer. If elected to Board ce>rned as an instru entire membership of of Governors will mentalist in the prob AGMA." lems in concert field. strive to promote and ALEXIS DOLIN OFF Served on Committees carry forward the in Dancer. Member AGMA nine years. terests of all AGMA on new Constitution and choral problems. Leading dancer, Metropolitan Opera, membership. four years. Has served two terms on Board of ERNO BALOCH FRANK CHAPMAN Governors. Member of Instrumentalist. Charter member of Committee on merger AGMA holding membership number 59. Soloist. One of the founders of AGMA. of entertainment un Was on Board of Gov Officer and Board member until active ions and still hopes ernors four years. duty with U. S. Mar such a merger can be Served on Committee ines, 1942. One of the achieved. Now serving on Basic Agreements founders of AFRA and on TvA Board and with concert manage on its National Board TvA Committee on ments and was conven for five years. Will do wages and working conditions. As a tion delegate for both whatever he can if the member of the Board for another term, national conventions. membership desires his would aim to better working conditions Member Local No. 802, retention on the AGMA for all AGMA members and particu A.F.M. for 26 years. Board. larly ballet dancers.

2 MEET YOUR CANDIDATES EDWIN DUNNING MACK HARRELL IRVING LA VITZ Soloist. AGMA member since 1943. Soloist. AGMA member for past ten Chorister. Organized first G.O.C.A. Has been active member in four of the years. Principal baritone with Metropol which later was chartered by 4A's. Is 4A unions, starting itan, Chicago opera serving on choral com with AFRA at its in and San Francisco op mittee. AGMA repre ception. AGMA dele era companies. Soloist sentative with San Car gate for principals for with leading symphony lo Opera. Has served New York City Center orchestras and in con on Board of Govern ors. "My past record Opera Company and cert. Has s e I' v e d active in establishing AGMA as a member of with AGMA proves my w 0 I' kin g conditions Board of Governors qualifications to be with that company. and now is a candidate elected to the Board of for re-election. Governors." ROBERT LINDGREN MATTHEW FARRUGGIO OSIE HAWKINS Dancer. Served on Chorister. Member AGMA since 1937. Board of Governors Soloist. AGMA member eight years. Also member Equity and AGVA. Has one year. AGMA rep Won Metropolitan scholarship in 1941, been with Chicago Op resentative with through an audition in era, San Carlo, Metro Ballet Russe de Monte Atlanta, and made de politan and City Center Carlo. "It is my belief but with that company opera companies. Has in the future of AGMA in 1942 and has a rec been AGMA represent and knowledge of its ord for performing ative for choristers past that leads me to many various roles per with City Center for seek re-election." season with the Metro past and present sea LEON LISHNER politan. His petitioners sons. Soloist. With Philadelphia Opera Co., would like to add the New Opera Co., Montreal Opera Guild, role of Board member New York City Ballet GEORGE FISHER to other accomplishments. Company and present· ly with "The Consul." Chorister. Member AGMA, AFRA WINIFRED HEIDT and Chorus Equity. Aided in negotiat Member also AFRA ing contract with concert revue produc Soloist. AGMA member for several and AGV A. Represent ers. AGMA representative, past and pres years. City Center, Philadelphia La ative for AGMA with ent seasons, of de Paul' Infantry Chorus. Scala and many local the "Consul." In the Photo has not been received in time for opera com pan i e s . eXCItIng development inclusion in this issue. Member Board of Gov of opera as produced ernors for several on Broadway, it would CARLTON GAULD terms and if re-elected be important to have AGMA artists Soloist. Member AGMA eight years. can be counted on to working in this field, represented on the New Opera, City Center, Philadelphia La work for the welfare of Board of Governors. Scala and Wagner op all AGMA members. ELISSA MINET era companies. "If I Dancer. Five years should be favored with with AGMA as repre election to the Board, sentative with Metro IVA KITCHELL or as a delegate to the politan Ballet. Elected 1950 convention, I Dancer. AGMA mem to Board of Governors, shall deem it a privi ber since 1943. Has 1945. Served on Metro lege to be of servi.ce." attended membership pol ita n negotiations meetings when in the Committees. Appointed city. Should she be to serve on Tv A Board elected to the Board, by Board of Governors. ELOI GRIMARD her particular interest TILDA MORSE Chorister. Was member G.O.C.A. be would relate to the Dancer. AGMA rep fore it became part of AGMA. Presently problems of the indi resentative for Metro serving on Board of vidual concert artist. politan Opera Ballet Governors as appointee for two seasons. Mem for vacancy. Member NORA KAYE - Dancer ber Board four years. Choral Committee. Del Delegate to two con RUGGIERO RICCI - Instrumentalist egate to 1948 conven ventions, 1948 and tion and serves as AGMAZINE REGRETS THAT BY 1949. Member of Met AGMA representative PRESS TIME NO MATERIAL HAD ropolitan negotmtmg in various popular BEEN RECEIVED FOR THESE CAN committee for past two price opera companies. DIDATES. seasons. 3 MEET YO

MARIA PASCA NORMAN SCOTT ROBERT WEE DE Soloist. Member of AGMA since 1941. Soloist. Member AGMA since leaving Soloist. Member AGMA since 1940. Sung with New York Opera Guild, service with Navy. New York City Cen Metropolitan Opera star following Radio Popular Price Grand ter, New 0 r I e an s, City Music Hall suc Opera, San Carlo Op Chautauqua, Connecti cesses. Also member era, Lyric Grand Op cut, New England Op AFRA. His colleagues era, and Philadelphia era Theatre, American have placed his name Civic Opera compan and Pittsburgh Opera into candidacy for the ies. AGMA committee companies. Symphony Board on basis of his on Wages and Working appearances including interest in AGMA and conditions in popular appearance with Tos wide experience in the price opera field. canini and N. B. C. field. orchestra. CARROLL TAUSSIG OSCAR POGGI Chorister. Hollywood Opera Guild, St. MAREK WINDHEIM Chorister. Former executive member Louis Grand Opera and City Center Op Soloist. Helped organize AGMA and G.O.C.A. Committee three years negotiat era Co. AGMA chorus served as chairman of West Coast Ex ing Metropolitan con representative wit h ecutive Committee for tract. After G.O.C.A. City Center two sea nine years. Member merged with AGMA, sons. Winner N. Y. Hollywood Vic tor y served on Choral Com Mad rig a 1 Society Committee, The at r e mittee and Board of Award, 1948. Commit Authority. Helped or Governors. "If elected tee on Wages and ganize TvA. Also mem to Board of Governors Working conditions. ber AFRA, SAG and I would do all in my Equity. Metropolitan power to further the Opera 1928 to 1936. interests of my col BLANCHE THEBOM leagues." Soloist. Member AGMA since 1944. PHILADELPHIA AREA TOM PYLE All American trained Metropolitan Op era star. Concert, radio (2 members 1 chorister & 1 dancer) Chorister. Member AGMA, AFRA, WYNEMA McKINLEY FOX AGMA representative with Robert Shaw and motion pictures. Chorister. Philadelphia delegate to Chorale-Concert Thea From the wide field of tre, Inc. "I am inter her actlvitIes, she both AGMA National Conventions, has been active on local ested in seeing AGMA would be a valuable and national commit expand its membership member of the Board tees, held prominent among the choral sing in aiding the purposes church soloist posi ers and enlarging the of AGMA. tions, sung with lead field in which they may work under union con ing opera company, and helped organize tracts." ROMAN TOTENBERG Instrumentalist. Member AGMA since original Philadelphia MURIEL RAHN 1945. "I have always been most inter Choral Group, later absorbed by AGMA. Soloist. Member of ested in our organiza Well known for activities in music, em AGMA five years. Also tion and in its import other 4A unions. Never ant mission, not only ployment, advertising and promotion, and industrial relations. has missed an AGMA to the profession, but also to the cultural pro membership meeting DOROTHY KAUFFMAN when in city. Opera gress of the country. I Dancer. AGMAZINE REG RET S and musical comedy. am honored to be a THAT BY PRESS TIME NO MATE "Will work for a better candidate for the RIAL HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR AGMA if elected to the Board of Governors." THIS CANDIDATE. Board of Governors." MATTEO VITTUCCI HONOR McCULKEN EMILE RENAN Dancer. AGMA mem Soloist. AGMA mem Dancer. Member ber since 1946. AGMA AGMA for ten years. ber six years. Also representative for Met one of first members Has performed as a ropolitan Opera Ballet ballet dancer for of AFRA. TvA com one year. Member bal mittee on Wages and opera companies in let of Metropolitan Op and near Philadelphia. W 0 r kin g conditions. era for four years, also Delegate AGMA con At present dancing for Ballet Carnival. Three Philadelphia Civic Op stitutional convention, years U. S. Army, Spe era Company. 1948. cial Services. 4 MEET YOUR CANDIDATES JESSIE S. WALKER GLENNA O'TOOLE PAULINE FARRELL Chorister. Member of Committee Chorister. Secretary of first AGMA Soloist. Has served on numerous when G.O.C.A. became affiliated with Executive Committee 1940-43. Executive AGMA and Equity Committees since AGMA. Member of Committee 1940 - 43. 1943. Active in the ac Committee on organi Executive Committee tivation of the Lyric zation of Choral Group 1948-49-50. Co-chair and Artists Association into AGMA. Chairman man of same 1949 and of America, Charter Philadelphia branch of '50. Delegate to 1949 member and Executive AGMA chorus for two National Convention. Secretary three years terms. Member of Ad Member Board of GOY for the California Op ministrative Committee ernors 1949. Repre era Theatre and the for several years. Dele ~ented AGMA on Unit Golden West Opera gate to National Con ed Theatrical War Ac Company. Also mem ventions of 1948 and 1949. "If elected tivities Commission, National Entertain ber of S. A. G. "With the utmost ad to Board of Governors will be conscien ment Industrial Council. miration for the AGMA principles which tious in my efforts to attend meetings JOSEPH TESSMER are now being demonstrated in the area and to help promote and work for the Soloist. Joined AGMA 1940. Member I consider it a privilege and a pleasure interests of all AGMA members." Board of Goyernors. Though he occa to accept nomination to the Board of sionall y sings as a Governors. I pledge all the energies chorister, he is widelv and activities at my disposal to the CHICAGO AREA known as an Operati~ unqualified support of the membership." {2 members 1 chorister - 1 soloist) Stage Director. Has VINETTE BOYCE been active in local JOSE A. PALOMARES Chorister. AGMA member since 1944. AGMA affairs and is As a member of the Chicago Executive responsible for a num Soloist. "I have served AGMA since Committee for the past ber of new members, my discharge from the U. S. Army, two years. I feel that a a 1way s encouraging 11946) as artist, board close"r w~rking rela and advising young member and business tionship and under singers along the AGMA line. manager of this area. I standing of our prob LOS ANGELES AREA have managed and lems between New I. One member - Soloist) sung, I. leading roles) York members and RODOLFO BARRAGAN for the American Op those in the rest of the Soloist engaged in opera, concert and era Company, National country is essential to radio fields since 1926. With N.B.C. out Opera Company, La AGMA's ability to of KOA, Denver as Scala Opera Associa tion and Cafe Italia. make satisfactory decisions for and to Don Rodolfo as orches "My statement relative to past and retain the loyalty of all its members. tra leader and vocal so loist until 1937, after present activities as a board member, which time toured in member of the executive committee and JOSEPH ESCHERT concert throughout U. TvA committee member, is to further ex S. and Latin America. pand and coordinate the activities of Chorister. AGMAZINE REGRETS AGMA jurisdiction in the field of small THAT BY PRESS TIME NO MATE "Since coming out of Army in 1945, have scale opera, leading to grand scale op RIAL HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR era in this vicinity, which is most vital THIS CANDIDATE. performed leading ten or roles in opera. I deem it a high hon at this stage. The 'recognition of AGMA or to be nominated for candidacv to as a union is the most important step to GLADYS LA BEDZ the Board. If elected I will devote' my be established." Chorister. Member AGMA since join energies whole-heartedly towards fur ing Chicago Opera Company in 1944. therance of AGMA and the affiliated SAN FRANCISCO AREA Has served on Execu arts." I. 1 member - 1 chorister) tive Committee, Mid RICHARD BONELLI EDWIN J. VANNUCCI West Division, past Soloist. One of founding fathers of Chorister. Now serving on Board of 3 Y2 years; re-elected AGMA. Has served as 1st Vice President Governors for unexpired term of the late February 15, 1950. and member of Board Ben j am in Martin and Background in other of Governors every deserves the area mem branches of theatre term since organiza bership support to con (vaudeville and night tion. Participated in tinue in this position clubs) combined with the West Coast discus o f h 0 nor for the opera experience gives sions in setting up AGMA members of her understanding of Labor relations TvA. A consistent rec San Francisco area. pertinent to wages and working condi ord of AGMA loyalty tions of Artists. and devotion.

5 Delegates to Convention Official AGMA The delegates to the Convention are Philadelphia area shall elect three (3) Listing nominated by petitions or by nominating delegates from the following candidates: The following companies have nego committees, or by petitions circulated Anne Graubert George Southern tiated Basic Agreements with AGMA for amongst the active membership and sub Warren Holland Jessie C. Walker Irene Jacoby the 1950 season. mitted to the nominating committees by AGMA artists may perform only with March 18, 1950. The committees collated Chicago area shall elect three (3) del producing companies listed in this col all nominations and sent them to the egates from the following list of nomi- umn and any violations of this rule will national office. The national ballots have nees: result in disciplinary action. been sent to all active AGMA members Ilma Bayle Glenna O'Toole If you are in doubt about any offer Vinette Boyce Itza Reiser (Kiszely) this week so that a secret ballot may be to sign a contract, you can clear up conducted for delegates to the Conven Gerald Finerman Evelyn Siegling Gladys La Bedz Joseph M. Tessmer the matter by getting in touch with the tion. Janna Olson AGMA office. Based on membership and the pro OPERA The New Orleans area shall vote for fessional category of the members, the Amato Opera Company, Inc. one (1) delegate to the Convention. Ar following candidates should be voted on American Opera Company, Inc. thur P. Winteler is the only Candidate by the active members to determine the Central City Opera House Ass'n. nominated. final election of delegates to the Conven Chautauqua Institution tion. San Francisco area shall choose three Chicago Opera Artists Ass'n. All elected delegates to the Conven (3) delegates from the following list of Cincinnati Summer Opera Ass'n. tion will be furnished with a credential nominations: City Center of Music & Drama, Inc. certificate by the National Office prior to Imogene Cornwell Paul Guenter Connecticut Opera Ass'n. the Convention. Further necessary infor Galliano Daneluz Edson Hoel Denver Grand Opera Company mation will be forthcoming from the Los Angeles area is entitled to elect Di Giacomo Opera Guild National Office. four (4) delegates from the following Equinox Company (The Consul) New York and vicinity including New candidates: Fort Worth Civic Opera England shall elect 34 delegates from the Francis Barnes Jose Palomares International Royal Grand Opera Co. following nominees:- Raymond Buell John E. Radic Little Orchestra Society Violet Kauffman Hilda Romain Arthur Backgren Ruthanna Boris Lyric Opera Ass'n. Emo Balogh Irving Lavitz Manhattan Civic Opera Co. Julia Barashkova Max Leavitt Metropolitan Opera Ass'n. Walter Brandin Brenda Lewis H. Meyer Lucy Brown Robert Lindgren Only Active Members Vote J. Frank Chapman Leon Lishner National Negro Opera Co. Eugene Conley Elissa Minet If you wish to vote for any person not National Grand Opera Co. Alfredo Corvino James Pease on any of the ballots a blank space is New England Opera Co. Donald Dame Thomas Pyle provided for that purpose on each ballot. New England Opera Theatre Louis D'Angelo Muriel Rahn Remember that only active members Lawrence Davidson Emile Renan New Lyric Stage, Inc. Alexis Dolinoff Ruggiero Ricci whose dues are paid to February 1st, New Manhattan Opera Ass'n., Inc. Lydia Edwards Genevieve Rowe 1950, can vote and the ballots must be (Continued on page 8) William Fantasia Leopold Sachse in the National Office no later than William Fisher Jules Sassani 9:30 A.M., Wednesday, May 10th, 1950. Carlton Gauld May Savage The votes will be tabulated by a com Peter Gladke Margaret Speaks Suspended Gean Greenwell Betty Stone mittee appointed by the Board of Gov Eloi Grimard Carroll Taussig ernors. Do not sign the ballot! Sign List Edith House Conrad Thibault your name and address on the outside of Lee Ada Keeney Lawrence Tibbett the' enclosed stamped and addressed The following artists have been sus Iva Kitchell Marek Windheim pended from membership by AGMA's Maurice Kostroff Dino Yannopoulos envelope provided for the purpose of mailing. Board of Governors. We hope their re Fredell Lack instatement will be possible in the near future. Andrew, Jerome Korjus, Miliza A vallone, Romualdo La Porta, Eliza New Members Barnard, George Livert, Fay DECEASED Berardinelli, Nicola Lockhart, Matthew TVA Board Lorenzo De Beal, an AGMA chorister Berg, Nancy (Shapp) Manning, Samuel L. Bushong, Leonard Nadeau, Nick The Board of Governors has accepted since 1944, died last month in Italy, Carney, Louise Orlik, Vania with regret, the resignations of Henry S. having gone to reside there in Septem Carreri, Attilio Petroff, Ivan Arthur and Herbert Graf from the Tele ber, 1949. Cheron, Ruth Ray, Nadine vision Authority Board, and has appoint This unfortunate news came as a Cheselka, Anna Robinson, Eugene shock to his friends and colleagues and Curtis, James Donald Scatolini, Nino ed Mr. Lawrence Tibbett and Leopold Dakerian, Alice Schenck, Jacob Sachse to replace them. Mr. Tibbett had AGMA wishes to extend its sympathy at Di Genova, Edward Solax, Vera been acting as a New York alternate for this untimely passing of a fellow mem Dudley, Edward Squirsky, Dave Mr. Frances Barnes, the AGMA Los An ber. Feyti, Robert Traver, Sharry Gandolfi, Alfredo Zavatti, Giovanni geles TvA Board member. Gennung, Sue Hess 6 GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING N. Y. ARElA A general membership meeting of by secret ballot by the membership, to concert for membership morale. It was the New York area was held in the Hotel serve on the New York area Committee: resolved that AGMA should organize a -Claridge ballroom on Sunday evening, Osie Hawkins, Ludwig Burgstaller, Ar Committee to ascertain the possibilities March 5, 1950, at 7:30 P.M. This meet thur Backgren and Francesca Ludova of holding an AGMA benefit concert in ing was a postponement from the meet with Carlton Gauld, Jan Peerce, Lee Ada other membership areas, such as Los An ing scheduled for February 26, 1950, for Keeney and Henry Cordy alternates. geles or San Francisco. lack of a quorum. Mr. Eugene Conley Report on Negotiations A Musical Journal Attacks AGMA chaired this meeting. Mr. Faine reported to the membership Mr. Faine reported the recent series of Concert Artists' Field the latest progress in negotiating con attacks upon AGMA, its officers, and Mr. Hyman R. Faine, National Execu tracts with the Metropolitan and the himself by a New York musical journal. tive Secretary, reported the situation in Concert Theatre, Ltd .. For the second, These attacks had been discussed by the the concert artists' field in which AGMA AGMA has secured terms for the artists Board of Governors and it was resolved has negotiated contracts with manage of this important new phase of AGMA to place this matter before the member ments that represent about 75% of the membership which embraces important ship for discussion. It was therefore managed concert artists. He outlined the issues and principles. This is a choral placed on this meeting's agenda in order problems in organizing the remaining group, not operatic, which tours the that members who had any grievances 25% who are under small or without country under a Concert Revue Basic against AGMA or its officials, as quoted managements. Mr. Faine outlined the ad Agreement. There has been an increase in these articles, would attend this meet vantages, to artists, of working under in the minimum salaries, rehearsal ing and straight-forwardly voice their AGMA managerial contracts and to ac compensation, extra performances, re grievances. Since no member availed complish full AGMA organization it may muneration, limits on the amount of himself of this opportunity to make any place a responsibility upon AGMA mem travel each night and AGMA is trying statement publicly, several members did bers now working with non-AGMA man to get some provision for the women voice their opinion that such criticism agers, to force the issue in order to un members of this unit who wear evening was perhaps voiced by members to em ionize the field completely. After some clothes, which is in the nature of a ployers to win favor for themselves but discussion, the report was unanimously uniform worn only for the perform that this was certainly not good union accepted by the membership. ances. behavior. Mr. Faine said that possibly these AGMA members feel they are Federal Aid to the Arts In the case of the negotiations with the Metropolitan, there is a new general better able to talk to their employers The membership was advised of the manager, and AGMA's first aim is to than to their own Board of Governors, need for Federal assistance to the musical protect the terms it has already achiev fellow artists, officers or himself. Mr. arts and the removal of the 20o/c amuse ed in the past negotiations and to make Faine advised these and all members, ment tax. A campaign was urged by the certain that the new ideas of the man that constructive criticism was always AGMA membership to further the cause agement do not create difficulties or de invited by the AGMA Board of Gover~ of a Federal arts sponsorship as well as crease the earning capacities of the com ors. There has been no complaints pre the removal of the 20% amusement tax pany members and at the same time, sented to him or to the AGMA office which in most instances represents the honestly give the new management an as outlined in these published articles. difference between a deficit and break opportunity to do a good job. Mr. Faine The executives, the officers and the ing even for cultural institutions. AGMA reported that these negotiations would Board can only do what members urge membership went on record as urging be consummated in the near future. and formulate together in determining institution of such a campaign, along policies for their officials to carry for AGMA Benefit Concert with other entertainment unions; as ward to fulfillment. Every memb~r has well as urging their Congressmen to fos Mr. Faine reported to the membership an active responsibility to see that all ter a bill for the elimination of the that there will be no AGMA concert this matters of importance are taken up by amusement tax. year, due to the fact that there were not their union since it is organized for the New York Area Nominating Committee enough top AGMA artists available at protection of all members. The Board The Board of Governors exercised the Christmas time. The Committee then de of Governors has never refused a mem rules outlined in the Constitution in ap cided to postpone the concert to April ber the right to attend its meetings; pointing three members and three alter 2nd, 1950, but an equally poor response and membership meetings are held in nates to act on the Nominating Com was received from the desired artists for the various areas for the express pur mittee, and the membership of the New this date also. Gratitude was expressed pose of permitting members to ask for, York area nominated candidates for to the artists who did offer their services work for, and collectively fight for prin this Committee. The Board had ap but it was felt that without the services ciples that are constructive to the mem pointed the following members: James of enough of the eminent AGMA artists, bership individually and collectively. Pease, Edith House and Louis D' An the concert would not bring sufficient re They must not voice criticisms for publi gelo, regulars, and Walter Brandin, turns over the expenses of the concert, cation when they fail to attend meetings Thelma Votipka and Betty Stone as al therefore the plan for an AGMA bene or avail themselves of the opportunity ternates. The function of the Nominat fit party had been dropped. It is hoped to bring their grievances to the organi ing Committee is to select qualified that next season, we can again have an zation and its officials. It is never pro people for the various positions on the AGMA party with the same artistic and gressive or healthy to sit back and be Board and delegates to the Convention. financial success as achieved in the past, silent when meetings are available for The following members were elected as well as secure the value of such a (Continued on page 8) 7 Membership AGMA Listing AGMA Unfair List Meeting (Continued from page 6) The companies and producers listed New Orleans Opera Ass'n., Inc. below are on AGMA's Unfair List. Un (Continued from page 7) Opera Guild of Miami der no circumstances may AGMA memo arnng such grievances, if existent. Orpheus Opera Co. bers perform with any of these compan· AGMA can become a strong organiza Paterson Opera Company ies and any violation of this ruling will tion only if its members individually are Philadelphia Civic Grand Opera Co. result in disciplinary action by the Board strongly behind it. Numerous existing Philadelphia La Scala Opera Co. of Governors. benefits for the AGMA membership have Pittsburgh Opera Co., Inc. been achieved and are now available to Popular Price Grand Opera Co. 1. Adams-Williams Corporation all the membership. It is not conducive Rochester Grand Opera Co. 430 Sixth Avenue, N.Y.C. to the strengthening of AGMA for its San Carlo Opera Co. Wilson A. Williams members to undermine the privileges San Francisco Opera Co. and protection of the union by careless State Opera Ass'n. 2. Alkahest Celebrity Bureau criticism that should be voiced to the Symphony Society of San Antonio 1221 Mortgage Guarantee Bldg. union representatives, if justifiable. Union City Opera Company Atlanta Georgia The membership then passed a resolu Charles L. Wagner S. Russell Bridges tion which stated that since no AGMA BALLET 3. Belmont Opera Guild member present at this meeting had Ballet Carnival (Belmont Community Society) availed himself of the opportunity to Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo 183rd Street and Arthur Avenue speak in corroboration of these attacks Ballet Theatre Bronx, New York on AGMA, it is assumed that the validity New York Cit, of these claims is without foundation. (City Center ;hama, Inc.) 4. Cosmopolitan Opera Company Unless proof of such criticisms can be New York Ci j)ance Theatre 1332 Walnut Street produced, the membership shall con (City Center of & Drama, Inc.) Philadelphia 7, Pa. tinue to believe that such claims are un Les Ballets de Paris Theodore Feinman true. Mariemma and Ensemble 5. Boston Grand Opera Company All Appeal to Top Artists Martha Graham Dance Company 160 West 73rd Street, N.Y.C. When AGMA was formed, there were Mia Slavenska Ballet Variante Stanford Erwin many very active and well known artists Uday Shankar who gave their loyal support to achieve Charles Weidman Dance Company 6. Manhattan Opera Guild the aims for which AGMA was formed CONCERT REVUE 1545 Broadway, N.Y.C. and which all AGMA members now en Concert Theatre, Limited Benjamin F. Kutcher De Paur Infantry Chorus joy. 7. Mascagni Opera Guild Unfortunately, many of these then ac· 250 West 91st Street, N.Y.C. tive members have left the field and OPTICAL PLAN ADOPTED Josephine La Puma AGMA activity. Their places must be The AGMA Board of Governors has filled by equally well known arti.sts who approved of a plan whereby the member 8. New York Civic Opera Company by their active participation and interest ship will have the resources of The Affili 150 West 46th Street, N.Y.C. will take up the torch of loyalty laid ated Optical Service Plan made avail William Reutemann down by the earlier pioneers. These top able to themselves and their families. 9. Star Opera Company artists are presently members of AGMA With the next few weeks the AGMA 317 West 42nd Street but AGMA needs both their prestige and members will be in receipt of a descrip 317 West 42nd Street, N.Y.C. active loyalty to carry forward the kind tive letter setting forth all the benefits of program that will incorporate bene accruing under the Affiliated Plan, with 10. Washington Grand Opera Ass'n. fits to the entire membership. membership cards enclosed, entitling 1710 19th Street, N.W. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 them to the stated servi.ce, optical equip. Washington, D. C. P.M. ment and professional care. William Webster

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